SAINTS reportedly made a late approach for new Everton signing Conor Coady, before his loan move from Wolves was finalised.

The 29-year-old centre-back has switched captaincy at Molineux Stadium for a return to hometown Liverpool, after it emerged he was not prominent in Bruno Lage’s plans this season.

The Merseyside club announced the arrival of the England international as their fourth addition to Frank Lampard’s ranks during the summer transfer window.

While Everton have suffered injuries to Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey, Coady needs regular first-team football to bolster his chances of travelling with the Three Lions to Qatar for the World Cup this winter.

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"I want to play every single minute of every game, but I got a vibe that something's coming here, something's not right," he told talkSPORT.

"I could sense things, something was happening, it didn't feel the same," Coady added, speaking after a season-long loan with an option to buy was complete.

However, according to a report by 90min, Saints made a late approach to add Coady to their defensive options – following the 4-1 opening day Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl started the season with Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek and Yan Valery playing in a back-three – while Jack Stephens was also introduced at half-time.

It saw new signing, 20-year-old German youth international, Armel Bella-Kotchap, left on the bench for the heavy loss in the capital. This, despite him featuring prominently in pre-season.

Coady is adept at playing in a defensive trio and is known for his leadership and organisational skills, which Saints appear to be lacking – having conceded 34 goals in their last 14 league matches.

Coady progressed through the academy system of Everton’s city rivals, Liverpool, making two senior appearances for the giants before going on loan to Sheffield United.

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